Five Tuscola County Football Teams Set for Playoff Action as Road to State Championships Begins
Kingston, Vassar, USA, Cass City, and Millington prepare for postseason battles as the 2026 MHSAA football playoffs kick off October 30–31.
TUSCOLA COUNTY, MI — The regular season is in the books, and the road to a state championship officially begins this weekend as five Tuscola County football programs prepare to compete in the 2026 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) playoffs.
Kingston, Vassar, Unionville-Sebewaing Area (USA), Cass City, and Millington have earned their spots in the postseason, with opening-round matchups scheduled for Friday, October 30, or Saturday, October 31.
Three area teams will hit the road for their playoff openers, while two will enjoy home-field advantage as the intensity of postseason football takes center stage.
8-Player Division 1 — Region 2
Kingston Cardinals at Dryden Cardinals
The Kingston Cardinals will begin their postseason journey on the road against Dryden in an 8-player Division 1 Region 2 matchup.
Kingston enters the playoffs with 30.639 playoff points, while Dryden holds 38.750.
With both teams looking to extend their seasons, Kingston faces a challenging road test against a Dryden squad that enters the matchup with the higher playoff point total.
For Kingston, the goal is simple: survive and advance.
11-Player Division 8 — Region 2, District 2
Vassar Vulcans at Ubly Bearcats
The Vassar Vulcans are headed back into postseason competition, traveling to face the Ubly Bearcats in Division 8.
Vassar enters the matchup with 27.222 playoff points, while Ubly carries 33.444.
The Vulcans will face a tough challenge on the road, but the playoffs offer an opportunity to make a statement when it matters most.
A victory would keep Vassar's postseason hopes alive and move the Vulcans one step closer to a district championship.
USA Patriots vs. Nouvel Catholic Central Panthers
The USA Patriots will open their postseason campaign at home against Nouvel Catholic Central in another Division 8 Region 2 District 2 matchup.
USA enters the contest with 32.889 playoff points, compared to Nouvel Catholic Central's 29.889.
With home-field advantage and the higher playoff point total, the Patriots have an opportunity to begin their postseason run in front of their home crowd.
USA will look to defend its home turf and advance to the next round as the stakes rise with every snap.
11-Player Division 7 — Region 2, District 1
Cass City Red Hawks at Pewamo-Westphalia Pirates
The Cass City Red Hawks face a challenging opening-round assignment, traveling to take on Pewamo-Westphalia in Division 7.
Cass City enters the postseason with 31.778 playoff points, while Pewamo-Westphalia boasts 43.264, the highest total among the opponents facing Tuscola County teams this weekend.
The Red Hawks will need a strong performance on both sides of the football as they look to pull off a road victory and extend their season.
With a chance to move one step closer to a district championship, Cass City will be looking to prove itself against a formidable opponent.
11-Player Division 7 — Region 2, District 2
Millington Cardinals vs. Clintondale Dragons
The Millington Cardinals will begin their postseason run at home against Clintondale in Division 7 Region 2 District 2.
Millington enters the playoffs with an impressive 42.889 playoff points, while Clintondale holds 32.444.
The Cardinals will look to carry their regular-season momentum into the postseason as they begin their pursuit of a district championship and a deeper playoff run.
Playing in front of their home crowd, Millington will have an opportunity to set the tone early and take the first step toward its ultimate goal of competing for a 2nd state title.
The Road to a State Championship Starts Now
For all five Tuscola County programs, the postseason represents a fresh challenge. Regular-season records and accomplishments have helped determine the playoff field, but from this point forward, every game is an elimination game.
Kingston, Vassar, and Cass City will attempt to keep their seasons alive on the road, while USA and Millington will look to capitalize on home-field advantage.
The opening round is scheduled for October 30–31, 2026, with exact game dates and kickoff times to be confirmed.
As the temperatures drop and the pressure rises, one thing is certain: playoff football has arrived in Tuscola County.
Five teams. Five opening-round battles. One goal — survive, advance, and keep the dream of a state championship alive.
Stay tuned to Tuscola County Athletics for playoff coverage, game results, and updates as our local teams battle through the 2026 postseason.